As of today, the contest to win an autographed book is back up and running. All you need to do to enter is comment, and you’re in. Two winners will be drawn at random, notified, and announced on this blog a week from today.

I spent a very quiet weekend, reading, resting, and playing my current favorite casino app, DoubleUp.

It’s been a while since I’ve updated you on what I’m reading, so here’s a partial list: ANNA AND THE SWALLOW MAN was very good, and I’ve been gobbling up psychological thrillers by a British author named Rachel Abbott. Good stuff that holds my attention–not easy, with ADD a factor–though a bit gory in places. Also NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND and THE ROAD TO LITTLE DRIBBLING, by Bill Bryson. I especially enjoyed these nonfiction commentaries on Bryson’s travels in my beloved England; I spent a lot of time in London when I was younger. The books are funny, and they bring back a lot of good memories.

Next up on the travel docket, a road trip toward the end of the month. Wendy and I will be joining in a joint-birthday celebration for good friends, Jess Walton (The Young and the Restless) and her husband, John. I met them in Dodge City, Kansas, at the 60th anniversary celebration of GUNSMOKE, and we hit it off immediately. I’ll post a picture of Jess and me when Jenni can help me. Unfortunately, I’m still a technophobe, much as I love gadgets of any kind.

Well, as usual, I have miles to go before I sleep. I’ll close out this entry and wait to hear what you’re reading and loving right now. The best books, I’ve found, are those recommended by friends.

I am reading Susan Mallery’s Evening Stars right now and I have been knitting down my winter yarn ‘stash’ so I can justify buying some beautiful spring yarn I have on my yarn Wish List . . Happy Trails . . .

Book recommendations…?! I’ve been reading time travel series by Peggy L. Henderson. Her Yellowstone and Teton series are wonderfully entertaining ind informative. Yellowstone Heart Song is a particular favorite of mine.

I just finished reading the Marriage Charm and I was so disappointed. Usually I’m excited to sit and read your books but I found myself daydreaming and putting it aside for other books. The only somewhat good part was towards the end with the stealing of the diamond.

We are getting a good taste of winter here in Iowa. We can’t complain though because this winter has been unseasonably mild. I’m reading I’ll be Home for Christmas by Lori Wilde. It’s a Twilight Texas novel and pretty good.

It’s snowing here and cold. I’m all tucked up in the house with the wood stove going. I’m rereading Nora Roberts’ Sig N of Seven Trilogy. I’m on the last one Pagan Stone. I haven’t read it in years and I’m enjoying it as much as I did the first time. Have fun on your trip and hope everyone stays safe.

Just finished Tricky Twenty Two by Evanovich. Funny as always.
Starting “Hearts Aflame” by Johanna Lindsey. Always enjoy her books just as I enjoy yours. Have your new one on hold at the library. Please keep writing, Linda

Always fun to see what others are reading. I just finished two older books: Angelina’s Bachelors by Brian O’Reilly (who otherwise has written cookbooks and had shows on The Food Network) and Emily and Einstein by Linda Frances Lee. Right now I am reading: The Sound of Glass by Karen White.

Linda, what is the title of Olivia’s story? I have been catching up reading some of your older books about the O’Ballivans and McKettricks but can’t find her book. I’m reading At Home in Stone Creek and am enjoying Ashley’s story! I’ve become a collector of your books! Have a great week!

I am reading Christmas Brides by Suzanne Enoch, Alexandra Hawkins, Elizabeth Essex and Valerie Bowman. I have really enjoyed it. I have been getting in a few walks these past few days because the weather has been nice, but all good things come to an end because today, it has rained then snowed even had sleet. It comes and goes and can’t make up its mind what it wants to do. I guess that is part of living in KY, flip flops one day and snow boots the next.

I am a Librarian who loves books, particularly yours. Right now I am finishing up Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble. When I finish this book, I will start Elizabeth Lowell’s book The Perfect Touch.
I am waiting for your new books to come so I can read them. I read all types of books, but I like your western very much. Keep writing because I love your work.

Just wanted to say how much I love your books. I will be honest and say the only ones I have read are the Montana Sky series, The McKetricks,The Stone Creek series. Looking forward to reading more though.

First off I would like to say your books are amazing ! I read them and pass them on to my sister that now is addicted to your books as well. I’m now reading My kind of wonderful by Jill Shalvis. What I’m grateful for is my first grand baby along with my two young adults ( I still call them my kids )

I think your blogs are the only ones I like! I really appreciate how you post. It’s always a joy to read. Like I’m reading a note from s friend! Thanks bunches. Have fun on your trip. I remember the gunsmoke reunion. Enjoyed you sharing with us. One of our favs.

Hi Miss Linda. How awesome that you met Jess Walton. Loved watching her on YR. Enjoy reading your books. I’m currently reading The “I hate to exercise” Book. lol I like thrillers so I’ll have to check out Rachel Abbott. Have a great week.

Can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy your books. I’m an avid reader who has a difficult time putting a book down once I’ve started to read it. I read at least 20 books a month. You are one of my favorite authors!

I retired two years ago and have been doing lots of reading. I’ve just finished a couple of mail order brides books but I’m looking for something a little different for the next book. One I read before the mail order brides was time travel into the past. It was very enjoyable.

Hope you have a lovely trip and wonderful gathering. I am getting ready to start ‘The Bourbon Kings’, the first book in a new series by J.R. Ward. Lately reading seems to be a chore, not sure why as I love it so. Blessings to you!!

I broke my leg on January 6th, so my only past time has been reading, and reading I have done! I have read many new authors that I probably won’t have. A friend gave me a big bag of books. I have enjoyed Janie Crouch’s Omega Sector: CriticalResponse; Paula Graves’ The Gates: Most Wanted and Angi Morgan’s Texas Rangers: Elite Troop. Also Fern Michael’s continued Sisterhood series.

I, too, had a great weekend—-didn’t have to work either day. I spent time reading instead of the Super Bowl. Finished Winter Stroll by Erin Hildebrand. And have started The Bark Before Christmas by Laurien Berenson. These are from the library and so must read quickly since I brought home 5 books and still have 2 unread ones. lol

Linda, We are waiting for a ice/snow storm to come in tonight. If we can’t get out in the morning to go the fitness center then I snuggle up with another book. A friend bought me a book for my birthday, For One More Day, Mitch Albom. Wow, what story. I plan to buy the other books of his to read.
Of course your books are still my favorite.
Dixie

Just read an interesting book I found on somebody’s list of favorite books. Mr Penumbra’s 24 Hour Book Store. Different but I loved it. Just found Jill Shalvis and am addicted. Waiting for your next one while rereading old favorites.

Put most of the books temporarily aside – have been taking some aquatic classes to strengthen my replaced knees, and planning with the family for our trip to Universal Studios Orlando with two of our daughters & our two precious grandsons. Doing a little reading on field identification for my birding walks, in between my volunteer ‘job’ as a raptor rehabilitator / handler / community raptor educator.

Love your books & tell Jess Walton when you see her that I love her character & I’m a big fan of Y&R. I would love to win one of your books, today, Feb. 8th is my Birthday & this would be a great present for me. Thanks for this awesome chance.

The genre I love is western (rancher) romance, not only for the love story but for the insight only someone of experience could give the book. It’s my fantasy life…(born in Boston) go figure !!! I am a huge rodeo fan and just can’t get enough of this life style. To have that background is so fascinating to me… When I have read all I can find, please Linda, I have found a relationship genre(ie: sister to sister; mother to daughter; friend to friend) is very interesting to me depending on where you are in life. A friend recommended Kristin Hannah.”Summer Island”. I have also read “The Nightingale” …but if you want a major tear your heart out “Magic Hour”. I have all your books and only will loan one occasionally. Since there isn’t an author breathing who could keep me in books, I wait …and it’s worth it.

It’s so wonderful to have your updates coming again. We miss you when you are off on your wonderful adventures.

It hasn’t donned on me to share what I have been reading with you and that’s a shame. I am actually loving every second I am spending reading the recently written books by my dear childhood friend, another Flat Creek girl, Mary J Williams, daughter of John and Nona Williams of Northport, WA.

What a small world! I am really getting into Mary’s second series of books, the Hollywood Legends series. I absolutely loved her first series, the Harper Falls Saga, as it was loosely set upon an imaginary town located on the Columbia River, about 100 miles from Spokane. I fully encourage you to download one of her books and see the talent that she has brought to the literary world.

Need something new to read. Almost done with Dashing Through The Snow by Debbie Macomber. Did read Christmas Bells by Jennifer Chiaverini, love all her books but not that one . Too jumpy, very disappointed. Have you read it? Would like your opinion.

Just read The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony a fellow South African. A lifelong conservationist, he accepted a rogue herd of elephants on his game reserve be, Thula Thula and over the years as they settled there he became almost a part of the herd as they went through trials together. Fabulous book. As a wildlife fiend/ friend I have booked myself on a photo safari in the Sabi Sands reserve in SA in August. So excited

I am checking out your site at the library today. I came to pick up a book of yours I placed on hold and it wasn’t on the hold shelf or the check out shelf. So I am going home without a linda book today. I am going home with a Debbie Macomber so I won’t be too bored tonight. I read until I fall asleep every night. I look forward to one of your books coming in. I wan to thank you for all the wonderful stories you have published.And thank you for putting homeless and rescued dog in your story. How about a rescued kitty now and then too:) I am animal lover and love dogs first and cats 2nd. Please keep writing. Wishing a wonderful upcoming Valentine’s day. Your devoted reader, Christine Van Halder

McKettricks, Montana Men and just about everything I can get my hands on by you, except historicals-not my cuppa-
Just started “Choked Up”-Jenny Mack, not realizing it’s the second in the series, but loving it! Read Jill Shalvis “Wonderful” and Sheila Connelly’s “Turn Up Dead” yesterday….
LONG time fan of Bill Bryson…read his Short History of the English Language, if you haven’t already!

Hi, Kathleen. I just want to encourage you to try the historical McKettrick series if you ever feel compelled to give historical westerns another try. SUPERIOR series! I can’t give mine away to friends who might want to read them because I don’t want to let them out of my possession! Of course I can’t guarantee YOU will like them, but if there was ever a series to help you decide if you do like them after all, the McKettrick Men are the way to go! Happy reading!

I just finished reading The Feathered Bone by Julie Cantrell. She has a way with words that takes me into her story. This one is set in New Orleans and Walker, LA. It is the story of how family and friends respond to the abduction of a 12-year-old girl who was taken while on a class field trip to NOLA. An insightful and moving account. Last year I read Into the Free and When Mountains Move by the same author. I really like her work. Maybe you will too. Blessings.

I’m re-reading the McKettricks again. Love Linda and her books.
There are a few that I couldn’t get into, but I haven’t let that stop me from reading. I carry a book with me everywhere I go where I will have to sit and wait.

Love your books and look forward to the new ones coming out. Between house work that I have let slide and my Mayoral duties and learning my husband has colon cancer I am reading a little less than before. Crazy time for me, but there is always time for a good book even if it is late at night.

I’m reading “Time Without End”, the free ebook you gave is. I’m also rereading Susan Mallery’s”Fools Gold series. I read every spare minute I have and I’ve been reading your books for a long time and thoroughly enjoy them!! Thanks for all the hours of enjoyment!!

Thanks Linda for all your words of wisdom and gratitude! I’ve decided to start the journal for things I’m grateful for. My sister has been diagnosed with a serious illness, and I’m trying to stay positive and know that God has it and will bless her in all the ways that he can! For all who read this, please say a prayer for Diana. Even tho you don’t know her personally, know that she is a woman of God and deserves Gods healing. Bless you Linda and all your readers for all the faith and love you have! I’ve read your books for years, and I will for years to come!

Just finishing Lisa Jackson’s The McCaffertys four book series. Also read Brotherhood in Death (JD Robb) over the weekend. All five got me through a big snowstorm and before that it was Linda Lael Miller’s Big Sky Series. I read like there’s no tomorrow!!!!

I am currently reading the last book of Jaci Burton’s “Hope” series! “Make Me Stay”. What a great series! Looking forward to the next book in the series that comes out on July 26, 2016! I enjoy reading her books as much as I enjoy reading yours!

A new author has just hit the racks, Dennis Brooke. The book is The Last Apostle. I’m just into it at page 63 and can hardly put it down. I read about 20 books a month and this one goes to the top of my list as spellbinding. Hope you get the chance to give it a read.

I always enjoy your books & have a good collection of them. I just finished a book by Lyndsey Sands about a couple we’d on the order of Henry II. Interesting study on giving trust & learning to love & appreciate.
I especially like your books that take place in Wyoming (where I used to live) & Montana (where I am now).

Trying to find new authors that do not have brains on the wall in detail. Have read all of your books more than once some even twice, I am trying to give some others my money……..I realize you cannot kick out a book every other month so will just have to wait…..Thanks

I’m currently in the middle of the Inn Boonesboro trilogy by Nora Roberts. I just started the 2nd book last night. This trilogy has been out for a few years but I find it very hard to be able to find time with a very active 3 year old to read anything longer than Brown Bear or the Hungry Caterpillar. My sister loves vampire books so I will pass your suggestion off to her.

Hi Linda, thanks to you I have a love of cowboy stories. I recently discovered Kaki Warner, and are just about to start reading the last in her Heartbreak Creek series. Her books are great, a bit of romance (of course) and a bit of mystery. I can highly recommend her to everyone. If you love Linda’s books (and who doesn’t) you will also love Kaki Warner. Thank you!

I’ve been reading the e-books from Rosetta Books. I got behind with the third book. Put it on hold and went to the 4th one and I’m reading it faster. I’ll get caught up on the next real cold day here. I love your books and read them whenever I find a new one at the library. Thanks!

Hello from Georgia; I love westerns , anything about horses , I’ve discovered Jodi Thomas , now I’m looking all over for some of the series books , like I had to do for some of your older books . Though I have all of yours for the past SEVERAL years . Enjoy your trip .

Really enjoy all of your books. Having grown up with and riding horses I love books about cowboys. Have just recently gotten my daughter to start reading and her first book was one of yours and now she is hooked.

It is cold in AR now, so this FL girl is sitting by the fireplace reading Lindsay McKenna. Had forgotten how much I enjoyed her books, just finished a series “Shadow Warriors”, & am understanding Navy Seals better. My grandson was a friend of Aaron Vaughn’s at Martin County High School, Stuart. FL. Aaron was part of Seal Team 6, not involved in the Bin Laden killing, who was killed when his helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan! Aaron left a wife & 2 children, one only 9 weeks old. The other Navy Seal we met when he was a Cadet at the Naval Academy. I pray for him every day, along with the rest of our brave men & women. Our country just does not know how much our Military men & women sacrifice for our freedom!

Glad you are doing good and getting in some family, it’s good for the soul! I am about to start The Masquerading Magician, #2 in the series, by Gigi Pandian, it’s a mystery with a twist. Really good! still waiting on your next story! Have a blessed week!

Thank you for using your God-given talent to write such awesome books. I can escape my world into your characters’ world. I left a very abussive marriage 3 yrs ago. It was your books that kept me safe, entertained & some happiness in my life. Your love scenes are the best! No one writes them better than you, Linda! I’m free but had to sell everything I owned so the bank wouldn’t foreclose on the house. My husband left me bankrupt because he couldn’t keep a job or handle money properly. I had a separate bank account to save money for me & my daughter so we could get away safely. We did with the help of RCMP in 4 cities & towns. The women’s shelter & outreach centre was very helpful with counselling & info on how to leave without being killed. It took 5 yrs of secretly getting the help I needed. Thank God for places to help abused people. I borrow your books from the local library as I can’t afford to buy them. I’ve read all your books! I love escaping into your story lines! Thank you, Linda for bringing happiness into an awful situation. I can never thank you enough so I pay it forward. I help people any way I can for all the people who helped me when I so desperately need it. I love paying it forward secretly the best! What an awesome feeling to help people less fortunate than me. Keep up the great writing & I’m looking forward to your new books. God Bless You!

Georgia, So proud of you for being able to safely end the cycle of violence that you experienced. I went back to school after my abuse ended and I served as the Executive Director for a Domestic Violence Prevention Program for over 16 years. It is a very scary and serious situation when the woman finally decides to leave, she is indeed at the greatest risk. You took the right steps and now you are free to live and hopefully your daughter has gotten help so that she won’t repeat the cycle. God Bless you for your kind heart and sharing with others.

Hello Linda… I am currently reading ” A Long Walk To Water” by Linda Sue Park. My 11 year old daughter Savannah who is in 6th grade came home talking about this book that was so so good they had read on class & told me I needed to read it, so when she went to our local library she made sure she checked it out for me. I am proud she has taken on my love for reading because it had been a struggle for her in Elementary school for a while. I have to say this book has captured my attention & for a 6th grade novel is very good. Savannah made a good choice in making me read it. I will have to try one you have read above next. Thank you!

I found your books by my sister in law, and as soon as I started reading your book I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. Now every time I see your name on your books I get so excited and can’t wait to read them. I love your books, you are a great author!!!!!! Thank you for doing what you do, which is write awesome book’s. I just wanted to let you know that I think you’re a great author. Please keep the books coming. I also love the fact that you have contests like this. I would love to get some of your book’s signed by you. Just thought I’d put that out there. I know this contest is a little old but I still wanted to let you know how I feel. Have a great day. Until next time.